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Abstract
This thesis studies the emergence, approach and significance of the Wayuu Women's Network (WWN) in Venezuela. It seeks to understand the success this indigenous women's movement has had in actively involving women in its first year of existence. The analysis indicates that the WWN proposes an innovative approach to the problems of their society. The Network calls for bridging the Wayuu society with the dominant society. It is hoped that by borrowing elements from both cultures, the Wayuu people can re-acquire their strength. In so doing, the WWN is redefining both societies. At the same time, it has the potential of charting the parameters for a new identity. The task is huge, difficult and risky. The responsibility taken by the women reflects their traditional role to transmit culture, only now they must be creators of culture. To guide the analysis of this case study, I refer to the social movement and feminist literatures.
